Millfield School appoint new Head of Equestrian Sports

Published by Millfield on Wednesday 26th of March 2025

Millfield School have announced the appointment of a new Head of Equestrian Sports, Mia Palles-Clark.

Mia is a British Showjumping UKCC Level 4 High Performance coach and mentor, the highest level of coaching qualification available. She has been at the forefront of the British Showjumping coaching accreditation system and Lead Coach for several British Showjumping academies over the last 20 years. During that time, youth sport has become a specialism for Mia.

Mia is the former British Showjumping Chef d'Equipe for the England Home Pony Showjumping teams, where she led riders to numerous gold medals and assisted them in coping with the stresses and complexities that arise from these competitions and selection processes. She also coaches the British Army Showjumping Team, developing ability, strategy and team ethos.

Her experience also includes time working in New Zealand with international riders, in Germany for the AMG Mercedes Showjumping Team and coaching private clients in Bahrain. She has a PGDip from Gloucester University in Professional Practice in Sports Coaching.

Alongside her coaching commitments, Mia supports the Rider's Minds Charity as a volunteer, the Howden Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme as a coach and is a qualified mentor and coach developer for British Showjumping. She has been involved with multiple media roles within Equestrian Sport, and has a series of coaching videos on British Showjumping's YouTube channel totalling over 100,000 views.

Mia is also an active showjumping competitor, representing GB in 2022 at the Veteran European Showjumping Championships on her horse Hamantha Fortuna (Maus). Maus will also be moving to Millfield to continue their competition journey in the south west.

Mia said “I am so excited to begin a new chapter at this incredible school. My years of experience and knowledge all come together in the role of Head of Equestrian Sports. I have already been superbly supported to become part of the Equestrian team, and I look forward to building Millfield's already stellar reputation in the equestrian world. The aim is to support the students in having as much fun and success as possible, while helping them to be their most brilliant selves in all aspects of life.”